Brutal, Logical, True to Itself.
Hard to Find, indeed. The only flaw I can point out right from the get go is the music which sometimes sounds too loud, and the rules of Lin Chuan's ancient tree, which I personally found unclear in some instances. This might have also taken the ‘impact’ away from the final episodes as I was trying to make sense of the character's actions and trying to link events and laws.Alrighty, now that I've got out these *cold pricklies* away from my mind, I'll dive straight into why I think this drama is far better than many other throwaway idol dramas released per year.
Also - thank you to whoever selected the English title and designed the opening credits. If it was some big budget drama out there, we'd probably be stuck with some title such as ‘Love Lasts Forever/Forever Love’ or the word which is currently in vogue - ‘Blossom’.
When Master He Lian Xi of the divine Lin Chuan clan married Princess Feng Yuan, a marriage with a foreigner after almost a century, he expected to live a quiet life with his wife and the rest of his tribe away from the turbulent world as always. What he did not know was that Feng Yuan was purposefully sent to him with a motive far bigger than what his tribe could've handled. The fatal marriage results in an unprecedented bloodshed in which his entire tribe is wiped out and Lin Chuan falls into ruins, forgotten by all.
Three years later, he returns with vengeance to seek for answers and find the divine artifact that can bring back his clan, which belongs to Feng Yuan, the person who initiated the tragedy.
The drama runs for around 19 to 20 minutes and it does not dawdle around unnecessary plot points and ‘twirly’ swirly dramatics.
It's one of the most brutal ones I've seen in terms of CDramaland with plenty of knife cuts and torture. The entire aura of the story is dark right from the start. Not to mention, the very ominous all-black end credits.
The Characters in particular are given plenty of background and depth. I could see why they made the choices they did, their anger and despair. I felt particularly sad for the Lin Chuan clan – they were pure souls who did not deserve the fate that had befallen them. Props to Zhao Yi Qin in particular. He is definitely one of the best actors in CDramaland and it's a shame that he is not given an opportunity to showcase his talent in some full length drama. Or maybe it's safe that he is away from toxic fandoms.
Shen Yu Jie was not behind at all, but for some reason, I kept getting distracted by her well manicured nails, which seemed out of place in certain situations. [There were close up shots of her hand.]
Her emotional scenes were convincing enough, and I liked how strong her character was.
Also, two familiar faces: Feng Yin and Hua'e. Though, I have to tell that I liked Feng Yin better in A Familiar Stranger. His character was more challenging here, and kudos to the actor, particularly in the final episodes.
With supporting characters such as Shu Yin, Qing Sang and Xiu Jiu, the ultimate finale seemed more hopeful.
The costumes were beautiful without being overdone, leaning more towards darker shades without any splash of color for Feng Yuan and He Lian Xi.
Though, I have to say, the outfit designs for Xi Jiu were the most eye-catching to me.
Music was hauntingly beautiful. But, it was overpowering at times. Also, the background score was to die for, particularly the one in EP16 and EP27. I hope they release every single track.
I'd suggest this to anyone who wants a break from filler-stuffed long dramas and seek a solid plot with excellent performances and chemistry. This is the second time I was relieved that a drama was over, (the first being Goodbye, My Princess) both for myself and the leading couple. They deserved a break after all that mayhem.
Was this review helpful to you?
I watched this a long time ago when I was a little girl who knows nothing about K-dramas. My grandmother was watching it so I tagged along.
2)Storyline/Plot:
I still remember it clearly even though it was a long time, the story was interestig to watch an at that time since I haven't seen stories like this before.
Positive points:
*Learning about family and responsibility while trying to to hold into your loved one was a good theme to follow.
*The events were nicely made; you can find romance and some action moments (since the lead actor is a prosecutor) plus there were some moments were the drama took interesting turns.
*The romace wasn't excessive, it's the light type of romance: Not too deep, not too clumsy.
Negative points:
*The storyline felt pushed sometimes which made it lose its natural aspect.
*Some parts felt unnecessary while others felt missing.
*It could've been much better if the events were more exciting.
Story: 6.5/10
3) Acting/Cast:
*The lead actress was clumsy and sometimes funny, I liked her perseverance and her great willpower to make her husband happy and all but I can't say that she's a great actress since you would feel like she's pushing herself to act: that was really annoying to watch.
*The lead actor was the mature type with a manly character plus he has to handel his little bride.
*The chemistry between leads was good but not great; it could have been much better if they pushed it a little.
*Supporting roles were somehow annoying but they didn't ruin the general concept.
Cast: 6/10
Acting: 5.5/10
4) The ending:
It was acceptable and likeable while being normal.
The ending: 7/10.
5) My impression (How did it affect me):
*It can be considered as an old drama since it was one of my first watched K-dramas so no hard judges over it.
*I was entertained while I watched it so no regrets plus I was sort of attracted by the drama at the time.
My impression: 8/10
6) Overall:
*If you like old/young relationships then this is for you.
*If you like rom-coms then you may like this.
*If you like clumsy lead females then you may want to give this a try.
Overall: 7/10.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
STORY: Based off the NOIR version of the film, which is supposed to be the true, intended ending. This is about what happens when things go terribly wrong and a guy resorts to selling his body in the underground of Japan. There are so many sex scenes, kissing scenes, it might as well be pornographic. I'd describe this movie as: very dark, disturbing, horrific, sweet, happy, sad, hilarious, freaky, creepy, crazy, insane, erotic, and so much more.ACTING: These actors made it look real, the sex, the kissing, even if no private parts were shown. They were not squeamish in the slightest when it came to the many scenes. I spend half the time marveling at what the actors must have been feeling during these make-out scenes. For Riku Mukai, he virtually had sex with the entire cast onscreen--I mean this must have been HOURS and HOURS of takes, getting everything right, all the kissing, rubbing, touching, wow.
MUSIC: I liked the main piano piece, the main theme, but really either there wasn't much or it was so much in the background I didn't hear it.
REWATCH VALUE: I will probably watch the BLANC version next time when I'm in the mood to revisit this, to see how the last 15 minutes differs.
OVERALL: I liked the movie, but it's not a sweet BL by ANY stretch of the imagination. It's much darker, insane WTF movie with a lot of sinister people in it. Not usually my taste, but worth the ride.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
What a show
!!Recommended!!!It bothers me that this didnt get the hype it deserves. I came watching with zero expectations and then I got hooked. I'm shook about the quality of the show. Everything is top notch, the direction, acting, production and even the plot. The writers actually used their brain cells. The characters are actually smart. Like what??? Everyone is layered, I don't trust whatever word comes out of their mouth. The acting is off the charts, there aren't any cringy parts. There is no dull scene, absolutely love the chemistry between the cast. Lee Young Ae doing wonders as always! Truly a great actress. Was hoping to learn more about her background and how she ended up the way she did.
Love the female leads, their battle is intriguing both similar yet different especially with the paths the chose. Loved their fight in ep6, just hilarious. Kim Hye Joon is truly underrated like her acting surprised me. I'm disappointed that I only heard of her now. The way she is able to execute K's "emotions" are great. K is a psychopath to say the least. Santa is hiding something, he knows more than he leads on. He is such a wildcard, i can barely firgue out what his plan is or who he is. The ending didnt help as there were still questions...frustrated about that. I definitely did not trust the Chief.
The comedy not bad, got me laughing a couple of times. The comedic timing quite good. The OST is fire, it is great. Definitely not a show that should be ignored. Keeping me engaged and entertained, can't wait for the next episodes. The episodes just kept getting better. Just when I thought they have outdone themselves, the twists just kept coming. Each episode grew more intense.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Still waiting for it to click
My Page in The 90s is about a modern-day love advice streamer gets pulled into a cheesy late 20th century romance novel, she finds herself entangled with a cold CEO archetype and forced to play out a love story she never signed up for.But honestly? This drama spends its entire runtime almost convincing you it has something interesting to say, but then stopping just short of actually saying it.
On paper, this is a classic transmigration setup. Lin Huan’er is initially sharp, pragmatic, and refreshingly clear about her goal: she wants to go back to her own reality.
Huan’er works fine on a surface level. She’s fun, reactive, and decently written. But the second you try to dig underneath that surface, there’s nothing there. Her emotional interior is frustratingly underdeveloped. We’re told she wants to return to her world, but we’re never shown why. What is she leaving behind? A family? Friends? A career she cares about? A life she built? We have no idea. And that becomes an issue later on, when she suddenly decides she might not want to go back after all.
This is, in my opinion, one of the most grotesquely common flaws in transmigration stories: the protagonist’s original life is treated as disposable. Wanting to return becomes a purely logical stance at the start, and abandoning that desire later is framed as emotional growth. Except it isn’t, because there was never anything tangible to give up in the first place. It makes her choice feel hollow because there is nothing to compare it to. Does she truly find something worth staying for, or does the story simply stop caring about the question?
Then there’s Gao Haiming. He is the hyper-competent, emotionally constrained CEO who is secretly warm, loyal, and willing to burn the world down for the woman he loves. Nothing grounds breaking, but decent enough.
Chemistry is another stance in which the story wobbles. It almost works. There are moments, especially in the very last episodesof the drama, where you can see what the writers were aiming for. But for a long time, I felt… nothing. Not even during scenes that were clearly meant to be intense or intimate. Their affection doesn’t feel like it grows, it just appears. One moment there’s emotional distance, the next we’re meant to accept that something deep and irrevocable has formed between them.
A significant chunk of the runtime is spent on Huan’er running away from her feelings, and it feels like a way to avoid doing the actual work of building the relationship. Those episodes would have been far better used letting us watch the affection develop organically, rather than being told it exists.
Secondary characters don’t help. Most of them are painfully uninteresting. Zhu Mengmeng starts off as someone who at least feels relevant to Huan’er’s story, but as the drama progresses, the narrative splits into parallel tracks that intersect every now and then. It ends up feeling like two separate dramas awkwardly stitched together, instead of a cohesive world where relationships actually matter.
Performance-wise, this drama is frustrating. I’m already familiar with Chen Xingxu, and he is undeniably a very good actor. This was my first time watching anything with Wang Yuwen, but she leaves a good impression. Which is precisely why some scenes are so hard to get through. The emotional beats don’t always land, and when they don’t, it feels less like an acting issue and more like a directing and pacing problem.
And the ending? Lazy and emotionally unsatisfying.
I don’t want to get into spoilers, but I have a deep dislike for abrupt endings that simply happen. No explanation, no thematic resolution, no real invitation for interpretation, just a narrative shrug that suggests the writers were tired and wanted to be done. It doesn’t feel open-ended in a mysterious and intricate way, it feels unfinished.
What makes all of this more frustrating is that the drama repeatedly comes close to being good, but it never quite gets there. It gestures at depth without committing to it, sets up questions it doesn’t want to answer, and relies too heavily on familiar tropes without doing enough to justify them.
In the end, this is a drama that had all the necessary components: a capable cast, a workable premise, and moments of genuine charm. But instead of fully committing to its ideas, it settles for “good enough” and for a story about rewriting fate and choosing one’s own ending, that feels especially disappointing.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes, the concept is pretty silly in general. A woman convincing a man that she's a robot is not exactly original, or believable, but with these characters, and a story told so well, I was completely sold on it from the beginning. Every single episode was so good, without needing to be too complicated. The episodes also always flew by, and it was torture waiting for the next ones, especially with some of the cliff hanger endings, so I can imagine that this would be super easy to binge watch.
Honestly, It's the characters that really make this story work so well, and I loved every single one of them.
Of course a lot of credit has to be given to Chae Soo Bin, pulling off idealistic Jo Ji Ah and the actual robot Aji-3. She was also super charming which made the story work well, and I think she was perfectly matched with Yoo Seung Ho. As Kim Min Kyu he really pulls off the sympathetic jerk storyline, and even at his worst I couldn't help but like him. Just watching them cheese smile at each other was actually enjoyable, but I loved their chemistry whether they were fighting, crying, or falling/being in love. As cheesy as the situations may have been, their relationship always felt very real. There's no weird and painful to watch lips touching here either... their kisses looked very real too.
As much as I loved the romance, I also loved the Santa Maria research team just as much. They may have been technically supporting characters, but each of them were memorable and felt important to the story. I liked that they all had their own awkwardness, which made them feel like real people. They were more than just comic relief, and became characters who I genuinely cared about. I feel like they all deserve main character status as well. The rest of the cast was great too, with no weak links... Well, maybe some of the villains were a bit one dimensional, but they still played their role well.
What was really endearing about the story to me revolved around Min Kyu's allergy to humans. I almost didn't want to mention it, but I don't consider it a spoiler, and it's what is behind the major themes of trust and connections in the story. I also loved that all of the characters seemed to have their own awkwardness or distance with people (Like, what kind of person turns their ex into a robot???!!!). It made me think a lot about how scary relationships can be, even without an allergy, and I loved watching so many of the characters make their own realizations about that, and learning to connect outside of their comfort zone.
The only part of the plot that I wasn't into was the business rivalry. It wasn't boring, but it just wasn't as interesting as the rest of the show. Watching people fight over who will take over a business is probably one of the most overused plots in kdrama-land, so that's the only part of the story that felt really mediocre, but luckily it doesn't take up much of the episode time.
Would I watch it again? Definitely! It's one of those dramas where missing the characters may make me rewatch this sooner than later (possibly as soon as I finish typing this). And although I didn't really want the drama to end, I think it ended at the perfect place before overstaying it's welcome, or losing it's charm. The ending left me satisfied, even with the few questions I may still have, so I would rather just experience it all again.
I also liked the soundtrack. It's my favorite kind of OST. The kind that brings back the feeling you had while watching.
Even though I think this drama was practically perfect, that should come with a warning. If you don't like cute romance you will probably be ready to drop this early on. If you hate convenient coincidences in dramas, just know that this story is FILLED with them. This drama is mostly super lighthearted, with lots of laughs, though I admit that I cried several times, but don't expect anything too heavy. I also think it can get away with a lot of tropes that other dramas would be criticized for because its so good.
Overall, There's no doubt this drama will be high on my favorites list. Something about this "I am not a Robot" feels classic, and reminds me of some of my old school favorite dramas. These quirky characters will stay with me for a long time, including Aji-3. It just goes to show that a story doesn't have to be intense to leave a strong impression.
Now someone needs to get me those heart lamps, and that silly umbrella!
Was this review helpful to you?
Simple and Sweet With Just The Right Dose of Comedy
This is a super cute rom-com about first romance, highlighting the awkward journey of inexperienced young adults as they try to develop their crushes into relationships.A show with lots of heart and on-point comedy, it was all the clichés rolled into one, but also a mood booster. The show was such a pleasure to watch that it made me want to go back to my first relationship in college and enact all the drama tropes.
The leads, Wang Xing Yue as Ren Chu and Tian Xi Wei as Lu Wanwan were endearing together and very entertaining to watch. Both leads have engaging visuals suitable for their characters. Ren Chu was classic good looks, whereas Wanwan was doll-like lovable. There was some cringey overacting from TXW and robotic under-acting from WXY, but nothing bad enough to distract me from enjoying the fluff.
Our FL was often misunderstood by the audience as too dumb to be in medical school, but after a few episodes, many, including myself, realized that she was actually intelligent and resourceful. However, Wanwan suffered from anxiety, especially during stressful moments like exams or performing in front of others. Anyone suffering from fear of public speaking, for example, can relate to her freezing up during stressful moments. Wanwan was generally cheerful, optimistic, and had a good EQ.
Unfortunately, Wanwan was burnt by her first crush experience and was slow to acknowledge her feelings for the ML. Hence the slow-burn romance…
Ren Chu was the brilliant and handsome campus king, a star swimmer, and talented in many ways. Despite being popular, his EQ was very low, and he was not inclined to be sociable to most. Of course, him being all cool and detached increased his popularity. Even though it was not clear how Wanwan caught Ren Chu's interest, I did enjoy watching his attempts to get closer to her, trying to confess his feelings and deepen their relationship. I shared the poor guy's frustration.
I found it charmingly funny that when one could not expect to squeeze an ounce of romance out of the most scientific moments, Ren Chu could still be romantic. He was also steadfastly committed to Wanwan, and I love how he completely shut down an annoying admirer who was clearly out of touch with reality.
The sincere and straightforward romance between the leads was adorably nerdy. Despite being new to love and still trying to work through their feelings, they did not shy away from sharing their thoughts. Both were emotionally immature in their own ways, creating plenty of opportunities for funny scenes. I smiled and laughed so much throughout the show. Even their "love tokens" were hilarious!
The development of skinship appeared natural, including the kissing scenes, starting with awkward pecks to more comfortable kisses.
I love how the drama used the supporting characters as devices to voice out or prompt the growing feelings of the leads. Little comments and setups here and there helped the romance along for our fumbling main couple.
The supporting cast was fine, doing what they needed to do. It is a mostly young cast, and while they did ok, there was room for improvement. There was some over-acting but nothing much to complain about and nothing much to praise. A second and third couple provided extra entertainment, but I was not particularly interested in their development. Wanwan's parents were awesome and provided some great comic relief.
Another high point for me was the OST. The opening song was catchy and reflected the happy, bright tone throughout the show. My favorite, though, was the ending credit song, 不知不觉 (Unconsciously). For me, it heightened the romantic feels of the drama.
Overall, I recommend this light, sweet rom-com, especially if you are looking for one with little angst and the main CP are so darlingly adorable in their unadulterated, innocent love.
Full OST list on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9aFD7zCaP0
Full OST list on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/1ybsFTzVK5SZaLc1PWzCe8?si=TZ9guaKtR6GAtwNwN3MW2w
不知不觉 (Unconsciously) - 康子奇 (Kang Ziqi)
不知不觉 (Unconsciously) - 徐秉龙 (Xu Binglong)
遇光 (Yu Guang) - 嘉羿 (Jia Yi)
奇妙物语 (Wonderful Story) - Joysaaaa
初次爱你 (First Love) - 彭雅琦 (Peng Yaqi)
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I really like it
If you watched Pornographer, you “must” watch Playback and Spring Life Continued. I posted before, according to the Twitter of the production company, the correct order to watch is Pornographer, Mood Indigo, Spring Life, Playback and Spring Life Continued. I didn’t know this and watched SLC first before Playback because SLC was available. Not a big deal but watching SLC the last will definitely give you a better feeling of completion. I have to admit I haven’t watched Indigo because Kido creeps me out. I will probably watch it eventually.Now about Playback, I love this better than Pornographer. This dives deeper into the personality of Rio and the development of their relationship. I think the whole series is a 9 for me. But bear in mind this is a movie, so compared to the series, everything here is a little rushed. I still think it showed everything needed to be told. I don’t really think I have spoiler in this review but I checked that anyway. ☺️
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Light, pacing & space set in the perfect ratio, honoring not only 1 but all K independence activists
PROLOGUE:One might criticize that historical facts about the historical figure Ahn and his person are too brief. That too much poetic license was taken with regard to the fictional comrades and opponents in this case. Even, that these guys also remain too pale as individual characters. That too little pace and tension are built up, and that there is overall too much debate in the dark.
But then, it would have been a completely different film. With a different message.
From my perception, “Harbin” does not want to tell us about historic events as it was, but to stage the dilemma, the hurdles, the challenges, the performance, the passion, the agony of the Korean resistance struggle as an epic monument. We do not get heroes in shining armor, but desperate fighters for a fairer world - for their freedom, for their country, which is their homeland, for their families or the families they cannot have themselves. "Harbin" wants to honor their price, which they paid for all those who now can actually live in freedom and relative independence today. In addition, "Harbin" is choosing a critical approach - with its focus on the struggle for perspective, hope, morality, and justification in regard of the many painful sacrifices.
TERRA NULLIUS BETWEEN LIGHT AND DARKNESS, BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG
Anyone who has seen "Harbin" will not forget "Harbin". This is ensured by the haunting staging, with artistic ambition consistently composed in terms of film technology, to set light, pacing, and space in the perfect ratio.
Here, preferably filmic means like camera, light, powerful scenes that burn themselves unforgettable into the memory were used! Whereas dialogues provide less contextual information but convey the personal and collective struggle for the right attitude. It's about morality and the opposite of it.
We do not learn much about the historic independence fighter Ahn, about whom one could have made a completely different film. His personality would certainly have allowed for that. And yet, in drastic scenes and moments, we learn what he deeply stands for: For an upright, just attitude that does not want to repay like with like, but wants to do better. Ahn fails in this, but he does not give up. Until the end, he stands for what he considers right. We do not learn in "Harbin" that he wrote a treatise during his imprisonment - a concept for a better world. But we have come to know him during those 108 minutes as a man to whom we can certainly trust that.
The others who work with him and against him are practically nameless and stand for the many nameless who struggled and suffered in their own way back then - under the cold, the cruelty, the hopelessness of this underground fight in the far north of Mongolia. And yet they made their contribution.
POETIC AESTHETICS OF DARKNESS
For a Western audience, "Harbin" may present a challenge in two respects. The KMovie is (like many other KMovies) not action-heavy but relies on the intensity of slowness. Even in this one, action is used sparingly. The subtle driving force is rather the aesthetic concept: This does not rely on light, but on shadow, on the poetic aesthetics of darkness and its subtle nuances, where diffuse light highlights textures and shapes. Adding sparse, precisely selected color impulses and contrasts, too.
With refined, powerful visual impression the icy bitter cold in the snow-covered forest, on the frozen river, and in the vastness of the desert landscape of Mongolia comes almost tangibly close to the viewers. Nature, in its powerfully aesthetic staging, becomes a symbol for the arduous path to freedom.
At the beginning, we are confronted with the inhospitable nature of underground life, where light is sparse and food consists of cigarettes. The cigarette smoke makes the dim light even more diffuse while the coats make the cold of the barren rooms appear even colder. And then the story catapults us abruptly and mercilessly into the unvarnished repulsive ugliness of this resistance struggle – in the scene in the icy, blood-smeared mud the bestial brutality becomes almost unbearable to watch.
All this represents and reinforces the sheer despair of the brave warriors who want to fight for their freedom from the oppressors despite all odds. Under almost hopeless circumstances. In an almost superhuman struggle with themselves and with what is right...
A TRIBUTE TO THE KOREAN UNDERGROUND STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE
This joint fight for justice, independence, and freedom deeply defines the Korean identity as a nation, just as the suffering that the people share due to injustice, dependence, and oppression - the 'Han' as a collectively shared, yet individually felt pain, mobilizing a sudden strength and unexpected collective resistance (in this case against Japan).
The willingness to make sacrifices as well as the necessity to make sacrifices are deeply rooted in tradition. This may also be deeply problematic in itself, but like everything: it has two sides. Right? Wrong? Everyone has to decide that for themselves.
However, "Harbin" is not about judgement. It is about honoring those people who had actually dedicated themselves to this conjoint resistance struggle: not wanting to be oppressed and treated as subhuman beings (by Japan). "Harbin" represents an aesthetically intensified tribute to those against all odds fearless fighters. Woo Min-ho did not want to create a historical film here. With the context of this legendary assassination the KMovie rather sets a cinematic monument not only to this legendary independence activist, but by doing so, to all of the others, too. Therefore, at the same time, with the example of this legendary assassination in Harbin it sets a monument to the entire Korean resistance struggle, too - then, before, and after.
Was this review helpful to you?
If you're in the mood for drama and romance then that's great because that's all you get! There's no mystery, or action, or anything like that. It's just two people quickly falling in love and then finding it hard to stick together due to outsiders and their own different ideals.
Now for the long explanation!
It's got a bit of a trashy-romance-novel vibe about it but in a totally good way. It's storyline is not very realistic so it plays out like a fantasy of a 30+ year old woman rather than a serious take on relationships. I think this is part of the reason why it's got so much re-watch value. It's short, very easy to plough through for a second time and to just not pay attention to the so-so story but then look up when Kame is taking his shirt off (I’m sorry/not-sorry). Even though I say that you'll still have a knot in your throat at moments.
I was surprised to see comments saying the sex scenes were bad! I don't think they are bad at all. They're certainly more... modest than your western dramas (no bare butts, no *cough* thrusting) just passionate kissing, semi-naked cuddling, and post sex spooning - which I guess must be risqué for a show aimed at Japanese women! The acting is very well done and, though Kame is a little too short and muscular to be a dancer, and Fukada is far too beautiful and alluring to be that innocent, I think they fit their characters well and look really good together.
To be honest it was quite fun to see Kame acting in a role where he isn't so sweet, perfect, and adorable. This role felt pretty different to other characters he plays. Even though he is playing a good-looking and hard-working boyfriend which pretty standard when it comes to Kame, however, Kei is not nearly as sweet, caring, and innocent as his pervious characters. Kei is single minded, has a much more natural appearance (as aposed to Kame's idol look), and less traditional with relationships - not interested in marriage or children. Kame's dancing is amazing (I have a dancing background) and for those saying he has a stunt double doing all his difficult moves should remember that he is a Johnny's idol and started his career as a backing dancer. He is perfectly capable of doing flips, one handed cartwheels, and things like that.
The music was a bit of a low point for me. None of the music itself was bad but I felt that it often was misplaced. As a KAT-TUN fan it hurts me to say this but KISS KISS KISS does not fit this drama at all. The song is far too bombastic and is used in scenes which really needed something much more subdued. It really took me out of some scenes and ruined really good moments. However the rest of the music in Second Love is great and fits the drama perfectly.
Overall I gave this drama a 8 which for some might seem a little high. However I truly enjoyed this drama. Yes the plot is pretty unbelievable and some side characters (though well acted) I found distracting and annoying, but it was fun, sexy, and I could 100% re-watch this again. I would defiantly recommend it but don't go in with high expectations - go in to have a bit of fun!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Started Off Dull, Got Funny, Then Fell Apart: A Drama That Lost Its Way
**Episodes 1–4: What Did I Just Sign Up For?**My Girlfriend is the Man had promise, but instead of the comedy/bromance I was promised, I got an emotional rollercoaster. The trailer lied—talk about a bait-and-switch.
The plot revolves around Ji Eun, who transforms into a boy (Ji Hun) and switches back and forth due to genetics. The main conflict centers around her boyfriend, Yoon Jae, who struggles to accept her transformation. Instead of comedy, Yoon Jae goes on a constant nostalgia trip every time he gets close to Ji Hun, remembering his moments with Ji Eun. This emotional reflection kills the comedic timing, leaving us with more sappy moments than humor. The bromance is practically nonexistent, and while there are a few funny moments (like when Yoon Jae gets drunk), they’re far too few to make any real impact.
Yoon Jae learns more about his girlfriend as a man and falls more deeply in love with her through these challenges. His love for Je Eun transcends her physical form, and he's willing to stay with her even if she changes (remember, he’s straight).
Ji Eun's friendship with her best friend is annoying, and the 'spoon woman dance' that's supposed to be funny just feels awkward. Meanwhile, the second female lead, who likes Yoon Jae, is arrogant and rude, and his constant pushover behavior gets old fast.
The series spends too much time on side stories, like the parent-child bonds, sibling romance, the café part-timer, and the building owner. They feel like a filler, and I found myself skipping through them, especially when things got too sappy.
**Episodes 5–8: Unexpectedly Hilarious (Finally)**
This is where things started to pick up. The drama goes from overly sentimental to chaotic and funny—and I was finally entertained. One of the funniest moments is when Ji-hyun gets involved in her best friend's romance. It’s hilarious when she kisses her best friend, and the boyfriend is just standing there, thinking, “Why am I watching this?”
Another funny moment is with Yoon Jae’s study friend (Chuu). This friend makes Ji Eun (Ji-hyun) so jealous, and it’s just hilarious to watch. Then this friend moves next door to Ji-hyun, becoming even more entangled with them.
I also find it sweet and funny how supportive the sister and the part-time café worker are of Yoon Jae and Ji-hyun's romance. They’re totally okay with the two men being in love because they can see how much they genuinely care for each other. (They don't know that Ji Eun can change into a boy)
That said, I still don't like how much of a pushover Yoon Jae is.
**Episodes 9–12: Chaos and Disappointment**
I finished the series… and honestly? I kind of hated it by the end.
While the middle episodes were funny and entertaining, the final arc just became a mess. I started skipping scenes just to get it over with, and that’s never a good sign.
However, I felt like there were too many side characters and subplots thrown in. The love triangle between the three adults (the sister, her first love, and the café owner), the café part-timer, and the best friend—was that really necessary? There was barely any screen time for them, and it felt underdeveloped. Then there were the grandparents, Yoonjae’s parents, and even Yoonjae’s sister—all of it felt haphazard and rushed. Nothing was fully fleshed out or wrapped up properly. Yoonjae’s sister, in particular, seemed to exist just to gush over her brother being gay, without any real depth or contribution to the plot.
One thing that really bothered me, though, was how the mother handled everything. Why didn’t she just explain the situation from the start? Waiting until she got caught and then finally revealing everything felt unnecessary and frustrating. Like, okay—it runs in the family, but wouldn’t you think something that major deserves an honest conversation with your daughter from the beginning? For example, explaining how her grandpa is actually her grandma, or that she might remain a guy forever, or that she has to keep changing genders.
And to be honest, Ji-eun and Ji-hyun felt like two completely different people. They didn’t feel like the same person at all, which made it hard to connect emotionally with the main character’s journey.
The plot also kept going back and forth too many times, which made the pacing feel messy and inconsistent.
That said, I appreciated how Yoonjae finally came to accept his girlfriend at the end, regardless of whether she was in a male or female body. It really emphasized the idea that love knows no bounds. He worked through his own issues, and that development felt real.
**FINAL THOUGHTS**
My Girlfriend is the Man had a great premise, but completely fumbled the execution. The first few episodes were slow and overly sentimental, the middle episodes were genuinely funny and engaging, and the ending fell apart under the weight of too many characters, side plots, and inconsistent pacing.
But overall? This drama was sloppy, chaotic, and full of wasted potential. I wouldn’t recommend it, and I definitely wouldn’t watch it again.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
All Hail Theerakit Kian Lee: The Man, The Myth, The Lakorn Legend
From the very first dramatic encounter, this series makes it clear that subtlety is not on the menu and that's exactly its strength. Peachayarat, the grounded, talented photographer, collides with the one and only Theerakit Kian Lee, a man so gloriously out of touch with reality that watching him is both chaotic and mesmerizing. Two people from completely opposite worlds cross paths, and what comes next is an explosion of laughter, blushes, and emotional devastation in the most delightful way possible.Khun Thee lives in a bubble of wealth, lakorns, and full blown soap opera logic, and the series leans into every ounce of his larkorn soap opera bubbles. He speaks as if he's permanently trapped inside a lakorn finale, even when the situation absolutely does not call for it. Dialogue? Over the top. Cheesy lines? Oh yes, but somehow they are delivered with such sincerity that you can't help but laugh, smile, and blush. He may be cheesy with his dramatic flair and exaggerated declarations, but when he drops those lines, I am done. I am a swooning mess. His sincerity is so intense that it circles right past ridiculous and becomes weirdly endearing. You don't just watch Khun Thee; you survive him, recover from him, and then immediately want more. Also, I am now fully infected with Peach's "Get a grip, Khun Thee" virus, and there is no cure. Honestly, I don't even want one.
Peach is genuinely the perfect counterbalance for Thee. If Khun Thee is chaos wrapped in silk and soap-opera declarations, Peach is reality in soft focus- grounded, observant, and emotionally intelligent in a way that sneaks up on you. He doesn't demand attention; he earns it, scene by scene, glance by glance. What makes Peach so compelling is how effortlessly he becomes the emotional anchor- not just for Thee, but for the entire story. He meets Thee's absurdity not with ridicule, but with calm disbelief, gentle teasing, and the occasional sigh that says everything.
The chemistry between Peach and Thee is absolutely swoon worthy. Their interactions are chaotic, hilarious, and oddly comforting, watching Peach guide Thee into reality without ever dimming the dramatic essence that defines him is pure joy. Beneath the humor, there's genuine warmth and unexpected depth. Both characters are quietly wrestling with their own fears and limitations. Thee is hiding behind wealth and larkorn, while Peach is anchoring himself in responsibility while suppressing his own vulnerabilities.
Also, there's Mok, Thee's long suffering secretary, and an absolute scene stealer. He is a masterclass of expressions. Mok communicates entire paragraphs without saying a word. His expressions whenever Thee delivers his extravagant lines are priceless and his reactions elevate every single scene he's in. I absolutely adore his bond with Thee. And, Rome, Thee’s brother, deserves a category of his own. When he made his entrance, and I am not exaggerating when I say I screamed along with everyone else. Just few episodes with him, and he's left a permanent mark on the series. The tension between Rome and Mok is undeniable, simmering just beneath the surface in every shared glance and clipped exchange. I am once again requesting- no, demanding- a special episode dedicated entirely to them. More Rome. More Mok. More them.
Aran deserves a special mention too. He is an absolute cutie who leaves an impression even with limited screen time. Also, Aran and Tawan, while their screen time is limited, the moments they do share are enough to hint at a dynamic full of tension. I wanted more of them too. I wanted more of Plub too. She is so adorable. Actually, I wanted more of everything.
The OSTs deserve praise as well- they complement the tone perfectly and heighten every emotional beat. Truly, I loved everything about this series.
This series is heartfelt, and gloriously over the top. It will make you laugh until your cheeks hurt, blush at moments of sincere absurdity, and fall in love with the characters. Gmm Thee V really did a great job and... and just when I thought the series was over, the ending credits of the final episode came in for one last attack. I was wheezing XD. Highly Recommended!!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Wasted potential
I was absolutely whipped for this drama when it first started. The chemistry between the FL and ML was terrific. I used to look forward to new episodes. However, I wasn't a fan when the ML and FL started dating and their personalities changed a lot. ML, who was known for his cold gaze and strict behavior suddenly acted like a schoolboy. I would've been happier if their dating was written differently...more subtle changes rather than throwing it all the at viewer's face.Another thing I don't understand is the recent trend of inserting murder mystery and/or crime into a storyline. It felt out of place and absolutely unnecessary, especially for episodes 11 and 12. The story would've be so good if it was 'just' an office romance with a sparkle of supernatural. The last two episodes made me feel like I was watching a completely different drama.
I still liked the drama as a whole but the more episodes I watched, the more my interest decreased. The writing had a lot of potential in the early stages but somewhere around episode 7, it started to go downhill. Overall, I hate to say it's an okay drama. The ending felt rushed and could've been executed better.
Was this review helpful to you?
Dating show with k-drama plot quality.
The show was weirdly addicting, even though it was far softer compared to western dating shows. The focus on the feelings and not just sexual attraction made the stakes higher, even though I knew it’s all over the top behavior. They knew each other for 8 days, how much in love can they truly be?The aspect that was for me as interesting as the show itself was the audience reaction. The double standards we had were strong, and it has been just hilarious to watch. JiA playing all the guys? Queen. Jin Taek showing interest in someone else, because he was not sure about the feelings for his first pick? Trash. So Yeon being true to her feelings and saying what she wants to say: honest and caring. Se Hoon being true to his feelings and saying what he wants to say: egoistic and selfish. And the same story happened with a lot of male and female contestants.
Truth is, the female contestants are not unproblematic queens that deserve better. They were all just normal people, who barely knew each other and had no obligation to stay loyal to anyone just because they picked them once. They guys were not trash, there were no red flags, we are all just hypersensitive about the most basic and normal behavior.
As entertaining as the show was, I had few complaints. First, it was way too short. I would say adding at least 2 more episodes would be better. Keep the 8 days format, but getting 2 episodes per day would be ideal. It would make it easier to understand the relations between contestants and understand their choices. I feel like sometimes we just missed the context, because it was never shown on screen.
Another thing was adding new contestants so late. If they decided to stir the pot, they should have added them after the first date - long term it would create more tension that they wanted, and not last minute cheap “twists”. Not to mention the idiocy of casting Cha Hyun Seung, when he knew few contestants, which goes against everything these shows are about (and the “not knowing each other's age and profession).
Overall, I had a lot of fun. My favorite person was An Ye Wow - the only one who took the show for what it was: a little bit of fun adventure. Everyone was so serious, as if they were about to get married the moment the program ended, while she was just having fun meeting new people and enjoying herself. The best chemistry for me was between Hyun Joong, So Yeon and Se Hoon - these three were such an underrated comedic trio who radiated best friends vibe, I wish we could just watch them chilling and joking around a bit more. Best thing was: I did not really feel bad for anyone. Picking extremely good looking, popular, successful people makes me take their love hardships less seriously. “Oh no, this hot dude in his mid 20’ just got rejected for the first time in his life, what a tragedy”.
Was this review helpful to you?
Bright Dimples start but Crash landing 2nd half!
Just got watching Zhou Yi Ran (ML) in School drama "When I fly to you" now here he is in another lovely school drama.First 15 Ep. 9 stars!
1. It's not a drama where there's one sided love of an academically challenged FL acting 10 years younger & chasing a silent ML trying to overcome some trauma. FL lead is smart and complex. She's a little bit of everything.
2. Drama feels more realistic. FL is from a divorced family trying to deal with all the sudden changes on her own. Adjusting to a new city, new school & a new blended family forced her to be more mature.
3. ML: Zhou Yi Ran plays another quiet boy role but his character comes from a different kind of family hardship.
These 2 meet and a connection forms as they can relate to each other through thoughts and actions even before finding out about each other's situations.
4. Chemistry: FL has cute dimples & ML has cute dimples. What a GREAT pairing! Yes I am a sucker for dimples.
5. Good supporting characters. Good friends & characters is a must!
6. No unrealistic over toxic characters so far.......
7. The brother from the blended family. He will grow on you.
After ep 15 it drops to 3 stars. It feels like a complete different drama! What just happened!?!? Did they change writers?
Anticlimactic the way they met again in college and resolved the past
Lack of time on supporting character's development and relationship development.
Introduction of toxic characters that's not needed
FL takes a back seat and the focus is 70% on the ML's dream
Choices became less logical
Was this review helpful to you?
